The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has forced us to initiate all types of measures to keep the deadly virus at bay. The global medical fraternity is doing everything possible to come up with a permanentsolution to this health crisis. However, until that happens, the wisest thing to do is to rely on all types of preventive methods.In addition to using sanitisers and masks, antimicrobial coatings can help us get rid of hundreds and thousands of pathogenic microbes.
What is an Antimicrobial Coating?
Combining antimicrobial technology and proven chemical formulation, an antimicrobial coating creates an invisible coat on the applied material’s upper surface. These coatings make use of different types of chemicals to hinder pathogen growth through cellular membrane perturbation. Some of the materials used commonly in antimicrobial coatings include graphene, polycationic hydrogel, silver nanoparticles, polymer brushes, dendrimers, and copper and its alloys. When formulated and applied properly, these coatings can keep surfaces 99.99% germ-free for almost three months.
Antimicrobial Treatment Benefits:
There are many benefits of antimicrobial treatment as listed down.
- Long-lasting protection against different types of pathogens including SARS types of bacteria, mold, fungi, and virus.
- When applied to metal, wooden, and plastic coated surfaces, it increases the lifespan of the surface material.
- Helps maintain hygiene and cleanliness in heavy traffic areas such as shopping malls, hospitals, banks, etc.
- This is an extremely cost-effective way to sanitise surfaces for a longer period of time.
- Reduces the need for harsh cleaning agents and disinfectants
Creating Antimicrobial Surfaces:
Surfaces capable of restricting the growth of microbes can be created in two different methods. The first method involves physical modification where the material and its surface roughness are altered. In the second method, chemical changes are made to the surface by grafting of polymers as well as using coatings and nanomaterials. These coatings may include antimicrobial additives and self-cleaning coatings. While selecting the most appropriate antimicrobial coating, the coated object’s specific use and safety levels are taken into consideration.
Safe Use of Antimicrobial Coatings:
The present scenario has highlighted the need for antimicrobial coatings that are safe to use. Luckily, thanks to extensive research in this field, new technologies have evolved. All probable adverse effects of antimicrobial coatings have been neutralised.
Application of Antimicrobial Coatings:
Antimicrobial surface coatings are used nowadays in different industrial and consumer settings, as well as the healthcare sector. In the medical field, these coatings are considered to be an essential requirement. It can be used in common areas such as doorknobs and switches to reduce the spread of germs. During medical procedures, coatings can be used on trays, medical instruments, medical electronics, surgical devices, or catheters to minimise the risk of infection. They are also used in air handling systems for indoor air quality management. Antimicrobial coatings are also extremely useful in food and textile sector.
If you are looking to stay safe from the coronavirus pandemic using antimicrobial surface coatings, please contact the experts at A&I Coatings. Our antimicrobial coating is environmentally friendly, and offers long term resistance to regular cleaning cycles.
